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About nikki from usa:

Re: Adam (44,247) by nikki from usa Yeah, I'm bummed. But, also kinda expected it while hoping for the best. Nobody survives pushing their album back for 2 years and has high sales. Quite frankly, we're lucky it's selling this much because she's been essentially crying wolf for 2 years now. At least with the Christmas album, she promoted it which is more than we can say for this one. Although, all the signs were there. Mariah's allowing us to constantly hear the music and download "singles" but doesn't actually promote them. I sincerely believe after her label didn't back her with Beautiful, she basically said, "Screw it, if you're not going to promote me, why should I bust my butt to make you a buck?" That seems to be the time she decided to make an "artist's artist album", the kind no label would approve of because it's not layered with commercial hits. Plus, if her album sales are low it would be easier to negotiate her way out of her contract early. Once she corrects this "situation" she probably has an arsenal of hits after 5 years of recording. That's my theory at this point. Kick Rocks, Save The Day, Hope Street, etc. (Thursday 29 May 2014; 5:53)

Confounded by Mariah (44,221) by nikki from usa So excited to see 2 awards in her hands, that means she won something else last night. Yay. Mariah wants to be seen as a true artist. A writer/producer. She references Marilyn Monroe as a brilliant woman, and she was, but this isn't the 1950's, 60's, or 70's. Women can do things now. Playing up the diva gimmick isn't doing her any favors with being taken seriously as an artist. She rarely talks about business or candidly speaking about her creative processes to the general public. If she did that people would take her more seriously, so when she does the diva thing it would be seen as a playful act rather than her true personality. This album isn't going to do much and it has nothing to do with quality. It doesn't matter who you are, anyone who continually pushes back their album is met with poor sales. Not actively promoting it just makes it worse. I agree MC is doing more behind the scenes things and just wrapping up her deal with this doomed label. Can you believe she's been on it as long as Sony already? I'm hoping after this she just develops her own or goes independent. Then, we'll see some promotion. Eminem's album sold over 700,000 copies for the opening week, so numbers are still very much possible today. But, MC was pretty clear about that not being her #1 priority with this project. (Wednesday 28 May 2014; 22:31)

I kinda feel like a dunce now (44,183) by nikki from usa But, I finally get it. She's combining all the genres she's ever done, but teaming them up with music that's been her favorite since she was little, along with the vocal stylings she's used throughout the years. In addition, this is why America the Beautiful is on the album. This was her first ever appearance televised live singing ATB in a stadium while she was still unknown. Memoirs chronicled her life in song, while this chronicled her love and life in music. In other tid bits, I really hope this doesn't make sense in a few weeks. #4, "relying on past favors", "restrictive assistance with strings attached", "unfavorable outside circumstance". I hope she does promo using her own imaginative ideas. (Wednesday 28 May 2014; 3:25)

Promo set so far (44,137) by nikki from usa After she stars at the World Music Awards today, Mariah is set to be honored by the Fresh Air Fund for the 20th anniversary of Camp Mariah on the 29th. I don't know if that's televised or not. Then, her NBC special, "Me. I Am Mariah" airs on May 31 at 8 p. m. That's all I got so far. (Tuesday 27 May 2014; 8:08)

Re: Lee (43,869) by nikki from usa Thank you for the diversion. I'm not listening to any MC music until the album comes out or the radio starts playing her. These comments are making me want to break down, but I'm not going to. I'm so glad you said that first. I was thinking the same thing. Billboard? Really? The woman can't sing, her "live" is awful, and half her "career" she wasn't out. After stealing from Christina Milian, Ashanti, MC, and Amerie she bombed when she tried to do her own thing. She went MIA for 5 years, tried to recapture her glory days when she was supposed to find new talent, squeezed out a few more hits followed by mediocre album sales, and now her only claim to fame is views on Vevo. For that, she's getting an award? An icon? In 2005, she released a track where her vocals weren't touched up. I remember that backlash and people telling her to take singing lessons. Then, the producers come in to save the day and release a "touched up" version the following week. I guess people really do forget with time. (Tuesday 20 May 2014; 16:36)

Remix or remake (43,732) by nikki from usa Some songs, a lot of them, that Mariah makes in the studio can't be created without a studio. They're amazing and sound great on radio or in the club. Unfortunately, they're nearly impossible to sing live. This is where 1 of 2 things happen. She has to sing along with a backing track at some point and everyone calls it "lipsyncing". Or she could remake them so she can sing them live instead, without all the added extras, which she did beautifully on tour. I haven't seen her do that for any televised show before, but I think she should give it a try. She is the remix queen. (Saturday 17 May 2014; 0:44)

Re: releases (43,729) by nikki from usa My guess would be because Mariah wants this album to be "seen as a body of work", so she's not releasing singles as much as she's giving an album preview. Ultimately, she wants you to buy the album. Traditionally, singers release singles that we buy and it gets us eager to buy the album because we have an idea of what it will sound like. Mariah's skipping all that and just previewing some of her best material on the album, not allowing you to have it, so you'll buy her LP. Brilliant really. I didn't hear the radio Breakfast Club interview where she debuted Thirsty. I don't know if Mariah actually said this (or anything else) is a single, or if that was simply what the papers or dj's assumed. Everytime MC releases a song everyone jumps the gun and says it's her new single, even when that was never supported by Mariah or her camp. (Saturday 17 May 2014; 0:18)

Frog throat and well said lamb o' chop (43,723) by nikki from usa Thank you lamb o' chop for the common sense, it was much needed. I can clearly hear live Mariah singing along with backtrack Mariah. Thanks MariahCarey.com. I've seen many variations of MC's performances throughout the years, but much to the disdain of the MC's voice is gone forever believers, this one doesn't fall in that category. I know frog throat when I hear it. Mariah, seriously, when you know you have to sing live squeezing in 6 hours of shut eye isn't going to cut it. Your vocals weren't remotely awake, but some them did improve as the show went on. My daughter has the same problem, first thing in the morning is the worst time to have choir practice. I see your twitter and instagram captions. Pulling all nighters, coming in at 1 or 3AM. I'm sure the kids keep you up, but if you're going to perform you're going to have to get an overnight nanny for such occasions. Anyone with common sense would know if someone's voice is "deteriorated" than it's gone forever. There's no "good deteriorated vocal" day. MC and M. Buble. If it's bad sometimes and great others, than that's a maintenance issue. (Saturday 17 May 2014; 0:04)

Who's thirsty? (43,648) by nikki from usa At this point, I don't think this track is about anyone. It's just a hot song created for fun. But, for the sake of fun let's see the possibilities. Initially, I actually thought it was about Mariah going along with her cover theme. Creative Mariah vs. Hit Machine Mariah. Then, I was wondering if it was about Mark Sudak since that's the relationship I knew the least about. He's the only guy MC's ever dated that wasn't already a vet in his own field. I never thought of Damizza. Stupid question, but does anyone think this was about Tommy? He had just taken over CBS records, now turned Sony and had to turn it all around. MC really was his first big break and became they're continual meal ticket. As much as she was promoted as a "lucky" kept girl, a lot of the truth is very much reversed. What would've happened if she went with Warner Bros? Her life may be quite different, but what would've become of Sony? And then there's Eminem. I've always said the only thing those 2 have in common is they both use her name to sell records. (Thursday 15 May 2014; 18:54)

Damizza and MC (43,647) by nikki from usa I know Mariah "discovered" him and gave him his name literally. She helped make him famous and considered him a friend. Shit hit the fan in 2001 where they had a falling out and he claims he bent over backwards for her and she owes him an apology for "putting him through hell". Considering the time frame it could have something to do with her Glitter project being scammed on. Mariah may have believed he had helped her ex with that. A few years after he claimed he was Mariah's boyfriend during the late 90's. He claimed he had proof. Sound familiar? He showed the pictures proving they were "dating". He was basically laughed at by fans and critics alike because they looked like fan photos. Plus, they were clearly during work: on the set of music videos and in the studio. In his book, he claimed he hooked up Eminem with Mariah at Em's request. He also states he was sure they were dating because there were a few times he knew they were flying out to "see each other". 50 cent claims the same although both admit they've never actually seen the pair together. Ironically, Mariah has never objected to the fact she hung out with him a few times and even mentioned one such time in "Clown". "Stealing 20 minutes in my G5, ain't nothing. Guess you didn't know that's the way I roll." (Thursday 15 May 2014; 18:17)

I Am. a Ram (43,455) by nikki from usa Other than finding that video very dis-empowering and promo for patriarchal programming, it was an interesting POV. In astrology Mariah's an Aries. The sign of the Ram and the quote is "I am". It's a cardinal sign and these people are usually self employed or business owners. It's interesting MC has always had a 1 track mind and always knew "she is" a singer. No matter what anyone told her. It didn't matter that everyone tried to "control" her decision by convincing her she couldn't make it. Not her peers or her teachers. Mariah only participated in classes she was interested in and ignored the rest. Mottola tried to "control" her and that only lasted for so long. I don't think he took into account the fact MC doesn't control the color scheme of these photos. Or the fact she made her peace with her dad in '02. If she hadn't I doubt her marriage to Nick would be as great as it is if those issues weren't resolved. It's a good thing she never gave up her "I Am". If babies come from heaven, then some part of the toddler recalls what it's like to be a part of the whole. If we are all one, then there is no one lesser. Had she not kept that with her through all her struggles than she wouldn't be the icon she is today. "In the dark, we are all equal" - Mariah Carey. (Sunday 11 May 2014; 7:25)

Shedding singles and R-E-S-P-E-C-T (43,411) by nikki from usa Just viewing this from another angle. People are right when they say MC doesn't get much respect when she should. I'll come from the POV that MC is a smart business woman. She's been making songs for the past 4 years, so it makes sense that some songs will no longer be "fresh" or no longer go with the creative concept of the album. Some songs are vaulted while others she's proud of and wants the fans to hear she's been releasing. This way she get feedback from the fans and decides if any of her fresher material that sounds similar will make the album cut or not. She came out with guns blazing with #B and her label didn't do anything. So she's shedding singles and making the label money. Between platinum selling #B in the US alone plus reaching #1 on iTunes in 30 countries and 3 other single releases with hit remixes, I think it's safe to say MC has made around 2 million in overall sales for the label at this point. Singles don't guarantee hit albums anymore. Pharrell's Happy is a huge hit, but his album bombed. She wants this album to be seen as a whole and she's set to promote it by singing it live in concert. Perhaps the sales from "single shedding" was a way to get no longer invested IDJ off her back so she could record the kind of album she wants to. (Friday 9 May 2014; 23:35)

Re: Adam - MC's wrist (43,244) by nikki from usa I've been an LMT for 7 years working with chiropractors and rehabilitation injuries. Mariah is correct, it would be very important during this time for her to do exercises for her hand and keep her wrist straight. Mariah didn't just dislocate her shoulder, she also broke her ribs. Unfortunately, ribs like toes aren't something that can be remedied. There's nothing you can do for them, but let them heal on their own and give the patient pain killers. But, that's dealing with all sorts of nerves that also travel down to the arm. You have to keep in mind that Mariah's lower arm/hand hasn't been working properly since July. Have you ever had your foot fall asleep? You'll notice after you readjust it still takes a few minutes for the feeling to fully return, because it took a few minutes for you to continually cut the proper flow from getting to it. Her hand hasn't been getting proper nerve signals for 10 months, it could take just as long to get back to full recovery. Since those nerves have been "asleep" Mariah will continually need to do her exercises to wake them up. (Saturday 3 May 2014; 2:41)

Curse of the cover art (43,189) by nikki from usa This is actually beautiful and charismatic. Anyone else noticed the night sky and shooting stars at the top? That's so strange at sunset. Lol only Mariah. Gotta love her. A while ago I wrote a post about the common cover art of all MC's major sellers. She has to have her face at an angle, lips parted but not smiling, wisps of hair is okay but she can't have any part of her face completely obstructed from view. Somehow, even Daydream managed to comply by having shadows in black and white make their own angles even though she was looking straight on. It's uncanny. Any cover art that breaks these rules will sell less than 3 million. Emotions: face obstructed and smiling, 2 million sold. Rainbow: smiling 2.9 million. Glitter: smiling and angle too sharp, so there's face obstruction: gold. CB: No angle and hair obstructs entire upper right quadrant of face: 1.2 million. E=MC2: face obstruction: 1 million. Memoirs: 3 faces with 2 smiles, and 2 obstructions: not even gold. MC2Y: face obstruction with too much hair and smiling: almost gold. So far this latest effort also has face obstruction with too sharp of an angle in one and hair covering up her face in the other. If push comes to shove, I'd be ok with double platinum. (Friday 2 May 2014; 4:14)

Excite-a-tivity (43,016) by nikki from usa From what I gathered, MC didn't say it would be a "surprise" release. She said it would be digital and Def Jam said it would also be a physical commercial release on the same day. What MC said that was exciting - was like Beyonce - by releasing it digitally, we'll get that material all at once and be able to decide the singles. Finally. If she lets the fans decide the singles as a loophole to all this ish IDJ has been releasing than MC found her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We'll be able to get the songs on radio that we want to hear. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Mine had great potential, but I think this was more of IDJ encouraging MC to recreate WBT than it was a natural choice MC would've made on her own. This way, she won't have to argue with them over single choices, we'll decide. (Tuesday 29 April 2014; 8:03)

Mariah's Vevo (42,861) by nikki from usa I was shocked to see that nearly all MC's remixes aren't on Vevo. That really sucks because that's a good portion of her catalog. It puts the original tracks and schmaltz front and center, but all of the diversity isn't there to be seen. She has so many music remix videos, it's a shame they're not being represented. In the world of Vevo, Rihanna has over 4.5 billion views, people like J.Lo are under 2, and Shakira is at 2.4. (Just a sampling of artists.) Mariah is just shy of 1 billion. Those music videos would put her over that mark. Not that the views are important, but it's great promotion and she gets paid for it, plus it shows so much more variety to Mariah's musical stylings. Right now, it just looks like she does ballads. The fact that she's near the billion mark in views is nothing short of amazing since she's an old school artist and the majority of acts today got most of their views within the last few years. (Thursday 24 April 2014; 23:59)

Getting all the ducks in a row (42,770) by nikki from usa Having a great product is nothing if no one knows about it. Despite personal preferences You're Mine is a fantastic single and had every potential. I've heard non lambs and even haters alike say this is the best song they've heard from her in years. MC promoted it on BET and radio interviews geared toward the R&B market. Guess what? The R&B and dance charts is where it soared. She didn't promote it on pop and pop stations didn't play it. This only goes to show, if she promotes her music then it will get played. Mariah, you need professionals, not friends where your career is concerned. Being sexy is fine as long as there's a point to it. Dancers get away with it because of movement. Just standing and posing looks weird when you're not a model. But, if you're storytelling and a mermaid or a vampire then they'll just have to deal with it, won't they? You've got art to deliver. She can't do everything herself. If her label isn't going to promote it and her managers/publicists aren't going to set her on outings to promote herself, then she has nothing. She needs a manager, a publicist, and a label to do their damn job so she can do hers. It's time to release Thirsty, just come out with the big guns and let the rest follow. (Tuesday 22 April 2014; 1:19)

Re: Fans (42,731) by nikki from usa I have to agree. You should buy MC's material when you like it. It doesn't make sense to buy music you don't like and then complain when she continually releases other songs like it. Your dollars are voting and Mariah will make music based off of what is selling. Quite frankly, it can be counterproductive. If fans and the general public alike aren't really feeling a track and it does moderately well due to excessive sales from fans alone, then she'll keep making the music no one's really feeling. That effects her album sales and keeps true gems from being heard. (Sunday 20 April 2014; 2:00)

Mariah is and Mariah isn't (42,686) by nikki from usa I've collected MC pics, interviews, and magazines since the 90's about her, the industry, and her coworkers. I think people assume everything Mariah does is her own choice, but often times it isn't. When it comes to music: MC's released songs as B sides in the past because she wanted them on the album, but the label didn't. Songs MC wanted to release as singles like The One or Migrate are vetoed by the label. In interviews MC stated songs that were originally titled Mariah's Theme and Care Enough were put in parenthesis while the label renamed them Can't Take That Away and Reflections which irked her because she's the one that wrote the song. Then, there's the "formula". Anytime any artist has a hit, the label wants them to re-create it, rather than continuing to branch out. That's why they keep releasing singles like it's the 90's and MC's songs have a deja vu feeling about them. But, that's the label. Mariah's musical diversity has proven she's more than eager to try new musical approaches, but the label's aren't having it. When it comes to weight, MC's always been a yo-yo, but no matter her size Mariah keeps herself toned. Always has. That's why the most noticable thing about her is her face or her breasts. People always zoom in, if they zoomed out they'd notice the rest of the changes. When MC's skinny her bellybutton looks huge, but when she's thick she still has a flat curvy tummy except her bellybutton looks tiny. (Thursday 17 April 2014; 19:02)

Working smarter, not harder (42,625) by nikki from usa I'm hoping something is in the works under that theme from the promotional front. People have forgotten about this album other than the lambs. They were excited when Beautiful came out, but that was a year ago. You know, if she just titled the album, "Kiss My Ass" she wouldn't have to promote it. The gossip columnists and social media alone would do that. "Kiss My Ass will be on shelves soon." "What does Kiss My Ass sound like?" Mariah began the healing process of Letting Go until she ended with Kiss My Ass. I wish she'd let go of the label, the "formula", and just let the creativity guide her. I'd love to have an album that doesn't have a "flow", but just delivers MC at her best in everything she brings to the table. She can have her My Alls, Fantasys, Heats, Close My Eyes, Sprungs, Lullabys, etc. Just an eclectic mix. Why does she have to wait for a remix to do dance or something edgy? Just bring it all and throw out the rule book. If the label picks out sucky singles then complain to the lambs, because it's obvious we'll tell the label what we want to hear/buy, then they'll oblige. Supply and demand. (Tuesday 15 April 2014; 1:49)

Re: Adam (42,562) by nikki from usa I love Mariah's music. I haven't been the least bored with it at all. And yes, the performance she did with Micheal Buble with live instruments, musicians, Mike himself, and Mariah even adlibbing through was fantastic. The problem is that whenever MC is amazing and on point the media pretends like it didn't happen unless they can work a lipsync angle. Her 4th of July special as well. And when it comes to live shows, MC doesn't have any say in dubbing. The producers of the network/show control it. That's something frequently done on tv today and its not just her. However, when producers screw up or there's a "lipsync" scandal, it's pretty easy to find the actual truth. Look for the uploads from fans that were live at the event. Their prissy little camera phones don't lie, nor do they having dubbing or auto tune accessories. I can say with perfect confidence there is something wrong with the technicians these days. Because, there's no reason 80% of the time Mariah sounds eargasmic on a dinky camera phone and off key or out of sync on tv. (Thursday 10 April 2014; 8:48)

Confirmed: MC's promo starts in Canada and CNN (42,552) by nikki from usa Mariah just did an interview that will be aired throughout this week on ET Canada and an interview with Etalk. Mariah will be featured on CNN's Leading Women on her album drop date May 6th. Mariah confirmed Stevie Wonder is on this record and Qtip. Putting all this together: "If this were my last album", having an industry party with all the dj's in the land about her past hits, having Stevie Wonder on this album when she used to say she wasn't out long enough to work with him, her promo being centralized around accomplishments. If this isn't a send-off, then this sounds like a lifetime chronicle. If this is her last album, then she doesn't really have to promote it so much after all. She won't need to. (Wednesday 9 April 2014; 21:15)

Smart move (42,486) by nikki from usa I have to say, having a listening party with no new listen was a good move. She gets to reconnect with dj's around the nation all at once while reminding them of her musical genius. At the same time, she's holding her new music hostage, so if any of them want exclusives or first listen they need to start spinning her track. It'll be interesting to see in the upcoming week if her spins increase. Also, I'm not sure who some of these dj's are. Some were mentioned by name that I don't recognize. I'd imagine she invited all the dj's from genres that are currently spinning her track, both spinning it and not, in addition to the heavy hitters too. Hopefully, some of the Florida dj's were there because they're not playing her track, never even a debut or option. Even though, they're in the genres that are currently playing her. (Saturday 5 April 2014; 2:05)

Re: Billboard charts (42,463) by nikki from usa I have to say, I'm really impressed how high this song has climbed on so many charts. This song has been marginally promoted by her label, if at all, and MC only did like 7 radio interviews with a single performance of this song from the get go. Then, she remained silent ever since, for the past month. Yet, it still continued to climb. If she'd just sing it live a few times somewhere it would easily surge again and become a top 20 hit across the board. At the very least. I can understand complications at the label. But, because MC is a perfectionist and clearly isn't ok releasing the album until it's "right", I don't see her skipping promo duty for family time. Especially, since she's the one who wanted to go on tour. I was watching Glitter last night. The one really unique thing about this film is it really focuses on the behind-the-scenes aspects of record labels. From the purpose and roles of managers, producers, publicists, etc. The major role of publicists is to set dates for interviews, shows, and overall for the artist to be seen and heard by the public. They're usually employed by the label. If the label is in an uproar, perhaps Mariah is in between publicists right now. (Thursday 3 April 2014; 19:18)

Bad omen (42,433) by nikki from usa I hope not, but this is exactly what happened with Glitter. She signed a huge deal, then they cleaned house, and during the overhaul MC got put on the back burner. It looks like history's repeating itself. I guess we know now why things stopped and no one is doing anything. MC kinda hinted at it when she talked about "her last album". She didn't know what was going to happen with the label and maybe she's had it with labels altogether. I'm hoping this one has a happier ending, maybe with the breakup of the parts they'll properly advertise her album this time instead of getting backed up. Here's hoping. (Wednesday 2 April 2014; 1:15)

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